MELANIE VLOSKY & JACK RUSHEN
​

Picture
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Clinton, CT and Bridgeport, CT.
 
Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
I, Melanie, witnessed a near tragedy at my hometown beach late winter, ahead of a wicked Nor’ Easter. Upon returning home, I began composing the Theme Song for this screenplay and from there I scribed the beginning, middle and end outline for “I Am Austin”. Very fortunately, I had been recently introduced to celebrated Playwright Jack Rushen and began collaborating with Jack on this project. Inspiration for a Screenplay vs Novel was the original score I began to write, as the protagonist Austin, was a musical prodigy who composed, performed and conducted “his” musical compositions throughout the story.
 
How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
Jack’s style is more in keeping with a FADE IN free flow of ideas, mind with storyline, where the strength of characters develop from a visceral space. I however simply let my music carry my written artistic expression. The initial PDF completion including video filming and MP3 arranging took close to a year of dedicated time. 
 
What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
Jack has enjoyed artistic success in his career but happily continues on his creative journey to his next triumph!
I am but a neophyte screenwriter and seek to grow and improve with the benefit of an excellent role model collaborator and other industry exposure such as membership in TRU (Theatre Resources Unlimited), where I am currently enrolled in Dave Elliott’s Producer Foundation class. Ultimately, securing an Option for “I Am Austin” to perhaps grace a great stage or appear on film would be beyond wonderful. My dream team would include Ryan Gosling in the lead role of “ Austin” as well as Denzel Washington playing the investigator who solves the cold case of young Austin’s abduction. (LOL, but you asked for my “Ultimate” ambition!!)
​
Picture
Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
Jack favors Robert Benton’s “Places in the Heart”, as he significantly relates to this film. I am inspired by timeless music artistry such as Rodgers and Hammerstein as well as Eva Cassidy and Jazz great Chuck Mangione. It is from sounds of music, pun intended, that my story arcs are created. Frank Darabont, Director/Author of Shawshank Redemption in concert with Stephen King’s Novella adaptation, remains as most brilliant to me.
 
What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
The immensely talented script writing of “The Blacklist” which capitalized on the impeccable timing delivery of actor James Spader, stands out there! Also love the comedic genius of Nathan Lane’s and Robin William’s Bird Cage as well as high sea adventure films such as The Perfect Storm and Deadliest Catch episodes. As shared by me, Shawshank Redemption is simply iconic.
 
What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Jack’s advice is to keep the flow of the pen going! Place your work in front of as many people as possible, some for personal reaction and others for professional critical review. Table reads are quite valuable, 29 hour productions amazing, if in your budget. Every comment may be relevant to your ultimate success!!
 
What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
In October of 2022, I formed my artistic company Playbill Productions in response to a short film project I wanted to launch. The filming took place in venues around Buffalo, NY and was based on a true story about a couple who lived for each other and their love of dancing. However, after decades together and many children, the husband lost his step and could not spin back in time to reconcile before his wife’s untimely death. “This Crowded Room” with emerging Director Rafael Burgos Nieves, explores their life after death and tells the narrated story of a two generational look-back at what went wrong and what went right. We recently won at the Los Angeles Film Awards in April for Best Original Score and Best Song, screened in Denver at the XicanIndie Latino Film Festival and have been Pre-Selected for the Music and Dance Film Festival Consonance in the European nation of Georgia! We are working on Latino immersion (we do have a Spanish version with trailer) and are planning a TV pilot project based on storyline development of this family and sequels already filmed, showcasing the historical and current lives (“rooms”) of this family.